Duke Energy Carolinas customers set a new all-time record for electricity usage yesterday of 20,799 megawatt-hours (MWh) for the hour ending 8 a.m. That exceeds the previous record of 20,628 MWh set on Aug. 8, 2007.

“January 2014 has presented us with some of the coldest temperatures our customers have ever experienced in the Carolinas,” said Nelson Peeler, vice president, system operations. “Our diverse and reliable generation fleet has performed well, allowing us to meet the energy needs of all of our customers, even with record-setting energy usage."

Each year, Duke Energy follows a comprehensive planning process to ensure it continues to meet customer demand. The company evaluates its diverse energy mix, conservation measures and renewable energy options to meet the Carolinas’ energy needs.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at: www.duke-energy.com.